Bluegrass Under the Stars returns to Tri-County Tech for an eighth straight year

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Nitrograss plays music at the Bluegrass under the Stars at the Tri-County Technical College Amphitheater in Pendleton.

Anderson Independent Mail

For those of us who don't go to school or work there, Tri-County Technical College can get a little lost in the shuffle throughout the year. But for at least one event each year, the Bluegrass Under the Stars concert, Tri-County Tech is the place to be.

From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Tri-County Tech welcomes any and all to its large, on-campus amphitheater for a night of great bluegrass music, tasty food and a huge fireworks display to round out the evening.

For the past eight years, Tri-County Technical College has put together this free concert and fireworks display following the first day of the Pendleton Spring Jubilee. It started 10 years ago when then new president Dr. Ronnie Booth wanted to bring community events to the college as a way to showcase the school and be a larger part of the activities in the area.

"Dr. Booth is such a lover of bluegrass music and he wanted to bring the wonderful amphitheater to life," said Rebecca Eidson, public relations director for Tri-County Technical College. "Two years after he arrived, we had the first Bluegrass Under the Stars, and it was a huge success."

Eidson said she expected around 200 to 300 people to come to the concert that first year, but when all was said and done, more than 1,500 people came through the gates in year one. Aside from some rough weather on certain years, that number has remained about the same and she said that it's about all the amphitheater can handle. And in that time, the event has grown in reputation. Everywhere she goes in the course of her job, someone always says how much they have enjoyed the concert.

Not only that, but people tend to recognize the efforts of the college more, Eidson said. They get a chance to see the campus, experience the amphitheater and maybe even are swayed to take a class or two down the road.

"This facility is one of the best-kept secrets in Anderson County," she said. "The amphitheater is really underutilized and we want to show that we offer a lot more than people might think."

In fact, the amphitheater is available to rent should an organization like to hold an event there. Just contact Eidson at 864.646.1507 and she will help figure out if an event or activity would work at the facility.

This year's concert features music from Lou Reid and Carolina, Most Wanted Bluegrass, Kevin Richardson and Cuttin' Edge and the West End String Band. As always, admission is free. The concert will conclude with a fireworks display. Concessions will be sold during the event. For more information, visit www.tctc.edu/bluegrass.